Amrita Bala Kendra Retreat

Aug 29, 2026 8:30am to Aug 30, 2026 12:30pm 

Amrita Bala Kendra (ABK) is a spiritual and character-building program that nurtures children and teens ages 4 and up in the values, traditions, and spirit of selfless service inspired by Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma). Join us for a weekend built around connection — with each other, with nature, and with a curriculum inspired and directed by Amma herself.

Join us for a two-day retreat for parents, teachers, children and teens presented by National ABK Coordinator Prana Thoppil and long-time ABK teachers Priya Thoppil, Amritesh Thoppil, and Shilpa Kurup. The weekend retreat will include sessions with Swami Dayamritananda Puri and Swamini Ambikamrita Prana, and remote participation will be available for many sessions. 

There is no fee for the retreat, but pre-registration is required. To inquire about accommodations email macclodging@macenters.org
Meals will be available for a modest donation. To sign up for the retreat, click here

 

 

 

Sunday
Sep
20
6:00am - 8:30am
"The silence that we acquire through prayer and meditation helps us find peace and true happiness in this noisy world." ~Amma Join us for a Silent Sunday Morning (with Swamini Ambikamrita Prana when she is here), starting with archana in the MA Center Chicago satsang hall at 6am, followed by... more ›
Thursday
Sep
24
11:30am - 12:30pm
The purpose of Yoga is for our inner well-being. It does not belong to any particular faith or religion. It was passed on to us by the ancient seers for the well-being of humanity.  Yoga helps us reconnect with nature and eventually become one with God. - Amma Please join us for gentle chair yoga... more ›
Saturday
Sep
26
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: MA Center Chicago Yoga Shala (underneath the satsang hall) Join us Saturdays at 2pm for an open yoga class with simple, gentle Amrita Yoga postures/asanas. No prior experience or training in Amrita Yoga is necessary.  "The purpose of Yoga is for our inner well-being. It does not belong... more ›
Saturday
Sep
26
2:30pm - 4:00pm
Amma says, "Bhajans are prayers in the form of songs, rich in meaning and full of devotional content." The MACC Bhajan Class meets virtually on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 2:30 to 3:45 pm. This class is offered for those who wish to learn bhajans and study devotional songs and... more ›
Saturday
Sep
26
3:00pm - 4:00pm
"A river that flows through many branches will not have a powerful current. If the branches are redirected and the river is redirected to flow only through the main stream, the force of the current will increase greatly. It may even be possible to generate electricity from such a strong current.... more ›
Sunday
Sep
27
6:00am - 8:30am
"The silence that we acquire through prayer and meditation helps us find peace and true happiness in this noisy world." ~Amma Join us for a Silent Sunday Morning (with Swamini Ambikamrita Prana when she is here), starting with archana in the MA Center Chicago satsang hall at 6am, followed by... more ›
Sunday
Sep
27
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Join the MA Center Chicago knit and crochet group to help people in need of warm hats, scarves, and more. The group meets from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm on the second and fourth Sunday of each month in the South Lodge Community Room.  All skill levels are welcome, and if you are unable to attend the... more ›
Thursday
Oct
01
9:00am - 12:00pm
Inspired by Amma's teachings, Mother’s Kitchen groups in North America prepare, cook and serve 150,000 meals for the homeless and hungry each year. At MA Center Chicago, on the first Thursday of every month, we prepare food in the MA Center Chicago kitchen from 9:00 am to noon and deliver it to an... more ›
Thursday
Oct
01
11:30am - 12:30pm
The purpose of Yoga is for our inner well-being. It does not belong to any particular faith or religion. It was passed on to us by the ancient seers for the well-being of humanity.  Yoga helps us reconnect with nature and eventually become one with God. - Amma Please join us for gentle chair yoga... more ›
Saturday
Oct
03
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: MA Center Chicago Yoga Shala (underneath the satsang hall) Join us Saturdays at 2pm for an open yoga class with simple, gentle Amrita Yoga postures/asanas. No prior experience or training in Amrita Yoga is necessary.  "The purpose of Yoga is for our inner well-being. It does not belong... more ›

All are welcome to join the ashram residents for daily spiritual practices in the satsang hall:

WHITE FLOWER MEDITATION

Sunday through Friday at 6:00 pm

Amma requests everyone to regularly practice this meditation once or twice a day for the benefit of the entire world. Join us live or via Zoom: https://bit.ly/maccmed 

Meeting ID: 828 7832 9402

Passcode: 092753

One tap mobile

+13092053325,,82878329402#,,,,*092753# US
+13126266799,,82878329402#,,,,*092753# US (Chicago)

EVENING BHAJANS

Sunday-Friday at 6:30 pm (in-person only)

  • Guru Stotram chanting
  • Bhajans (devotional singing)
  • Closing prayers and arati